Question about dimensional analysis

[Cade]

Homework Statement

I have an equation for motion:
x(t) = x(0) + x(0) * k * t^{1.5}
x is in meters and t is in seconds. I have to determine the unit of k.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

x(t) = x(0) + x(0) * k * t^{1.5}
[x(t)] = meters
Therefore, [x(0)] = meters and [x(0) * k * t^{1.5}] = meters
meters * [k] * seconds^{1.5} = meters
meters * (1/seconds^{1.5}) * seconds^{1.5} = meters

Does this mean the the unit of k is 1/seconds^{1.5}, 1/seconds, or something completely different?

 

[technician]

You first option is correct 1/s^1.5

 

[Cade]

Thanks, I didn't know if that was possible. I have another question if you could please check:

A force F is equal to k*x^n, where x is in centimeters.

[k*x^n] = N
[k]*(cm^n) = N
[k] = N/(cm^n)

The unit of k is N/(cm^n), is this correct?

 

[technician]

Yes, you seem to have it sorted out!

 

[Cade]

Great, thanks. I've done far better in more difficult subjects like multivariable calculus, but the lack of a proper instructor for physics has me making stupid mistakes these days.

Would you happen to know of any online resource where I can practice graphical analysis of equations like these? What I have to do is to take a non-linear data set and convert it to a straight-line equation, determine appropriate units for slope and intercept, and determine values for the constants based on slope and intercepts. I only have two practice problems to work with.

 

[technician]

I have never looked for any online resources for these types of problems.
If you know the power law for the equation (t^1.5 in your first example, n in your second example) Then the graph to plot is x against t^1.5 for the first and F against x^n for the second.
These would give straight lines with gradient k in each case.
If you do not know the power law... I think that is the case in your second example, you only know it as n then you must take logs :
F = k * x^n
LnF = Lnk + n*Lnx

A graph of LnF against Lnx will be a straight line with gradient n and intercept Lnk from which k can be calculated

Does this make any sense for you, have you met log ~ log graphs

 

[Cade]

I get the hang of those graphs, but I would feel more comfortable with practice. The other problem I have which I can't work is finding the resistivity p of a wire whose resistance R = (4pL)/(pi*d^2)

Plot R on the y-axis and 1/(d^2) on the x-axis to get gradient = 4pL/pi, and then p = gradient/(4L/pi). But I didn't get a correct graph:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3618742&postcount=3

Hence, that is why I would feel more comfortable with more to practice with. But I understand what you said about log ~ log graphs, I have this problem (the one I made this thread for, not the previous one) fitted into a linear form properly, all the points rest on a straight line.